Device and method for inactivating pathogens using visible light

Abstract

A device for pathogen inactivation on an object may include a main body defining an internal space; and a first light source provided on a first internal surface of the main body. The first light source may light having a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 500 nm. The internal space accommodates the object. A handheld device to inactivate pathogens may include a main body; a light source; a power source; and control electronics to control activation of the light source based on input from the user. The light source may light having a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 500 nm. A method for inactivating pathogens on a surface may include positioning a light source at a predetermined distance from the surface and illuminating the surface with 400-500 nm light for a predetermined amount of time.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for inactivation of pathogens on an object, the device comprising:
 a main body defining an internal space; and   a first light source provided on a first internal surface of the main body;   wherein the first light source emits light having a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 500 nm; and   wherein the internal space accommodates the object.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a second light source provided on a second internal surface of the main body opposite to the first internal surface;
 wherein the second light source emits light having a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 500 nm; and   wherein internal surfaces of the main body are reflective.   
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first light source is one of a plurality of light sources;
 wherein the plurality of light sources emit light having a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 500 nm; and   wherein internal surfaces of the main body are reflective.   
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first light source comprises an LED array comprising a plurality of LEDs. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first light source comprises a cold cathode lamp. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first light source comprises a low pressure lamp. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first light source emits light having a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 410 nm. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein the first light source emits light having a wavelength of approximately 405 nm. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein an irradiance on the object is at least 1 W/cm 2 . 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein the irradiance on the object is at least 10 W/cm 2 . 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the first light source and the second light source are 20 cm or less away from each other. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein the first light source and the second light source are 10 cm or less away from each other. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 12 , wherein the first light source and the second light source are 5 cm or less away from each other. 
     
     
         14 . A handheld device for use by a user to inactivate pathogens on an object, the handheld device comprising:
 a main body;   a light source provided on or within the main body;   a power source provided on or within the main body, the power source being structured to provide power to the light source; and   control electronics structured to control activation of the light source based on input from the user;   wherein the light source emits light having a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 500 nm.   
     
     
         15 . The handheld device of  claim 14 , wherein the light source emits light having a wavelength of approximately 470 nm. 
     
     
         16 . The handheld device of  claim 14 , wherein the light source emits light having a wavelength of approximately 405 nm. 
     
     
         17 . The handheld device of  claim 16 , wherein an average irradiance at an outer surface of the main body is 90 mW/cm 2 . 
     
     
         18 . A method for inactivating pathogens on a surface, the method comprising:
 providing a device comprising:
 a light source structured to emit light having a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 500 nm; 
 wherein the light source is provided within a hood, the hood being structured to direct the light in a first direction; 
 wherein an internal surface of the hood is reflective; and 
 wherein the hood and light source are aimable so as to illuminate the surface; 
   positioning the device at a predetermined distance from the surface;   aiming the device at the surface;   activating the device to illuminate the surface with light for a predetermined amount of time;   wherein the predetermined distance and the predetermined amount of time are calculated to achieve a predetermined percentage inactivation of surface pathogens on the surface.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the light source is structured to emit light having a wavelength of approximately 405 nm.